Astellas Launches New Stress Agent for Radionuclide MPI

Lexiscan (regadenoson) injection is an A2A adenosine receptor agonist for use as a pharmacologic stress agent in radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) in patients unable to undergo adequate exercise stress.

Lexiscan, codeveloped by Astellas Pharma U.S. and CV Therapeutics, is the first A2A adenosine receptor agonist shown to be safe and effective as a pharmacologic stress agent in MPI studies. The A2A adenosine receptor subtype is primarily responsible for coronary vasodilation.

Lexiscan was generally well-tolerated in two phase III studies. The most common adverse events reported in patients who received Lexiscan were shortness of breath, headache, flushing, chest discomfort, angina or ST-segment depression, dizziness and nausea.